For her latest book, titled 'Emily Emu Chick', Susie has
teamed up with illustrator and self-taught Grampians artist Helen Leach to tell
the story of an orphaned emu chick taken to a bushland wildlife shelter by
children, who save its life.

The story gives an insight into emu behaviour often only
witnessed by those have these zany exhibitionists in their lives day by day.

'Emily Emu Chick' is based on actual events that took place
at Halls Gap Primary School around 1987.

Tomorrow night's launch will take place at Halls Gap's MOCO
Gallery from 6pm to 8pm and everyone is welcome.

Both Helen and Susie will be in attendance to sign books and
there will be wine tasting, live music and an exhibition of illustrations of
the book.

Guests also have the opportunity to purchase prints of the
illustrations.

Susie said tomorrow night's event will have a 'local feel'
to it.

"It's a reunion of everyone involved in the scenes of
the book. Helen's husband, Don Leach, was principal at the school when it happened
and a lot of children that were there are still in the district which is
great," Susie said.

Susie spent last week touring around the Wimmera, visiting
primary schools in Halls Gap, Pomonal and Stawell before teaming up with Kerry
Wilson from Stawell Library to conduct reading sessions at Stawell and St
Arnaud.

Stawell Library has been working closely with Susie as part
of The National Year of Reading and Susie held a session there last Thursday
where she also taught children how to create rhymes.

Susie has so far been successful in engaging with the
children.

"It's been phenomenal. When we went to the primary
schools, we did an emu hunt and practiced how to eat food in the bush - pecking
food like emus. The kids had so much fun," Susie said.

Susie will be back in Stawell this Saturday, visiting The
Gifted Wombat where she will be on hand to sign copies of 'Emily Emu Chick'.